Reconstruction: 1865-1876

Please explain to me what exactly was the direct effect of the reconstruction to the South after the Civil War. To me the only outcome of the reconstruction was a lot of carpetbaggers running around taking advantage of the southerners who had been devastated by the Civil War. Lory-This is one valid interpretation of carpetbaggers-but largely a southern view.
I know nothing about the reconstruction.

now I can add on my commnets if i click the recontr. on the left & then click edit on upper right. pam

i'm adding on again...p